Raiders denied interview with Mike Tice

Even before announcing Jack Del Rio as head coach, the Raiders have been hard at work putting together a staff. Del Rio has been trying hard to get Marc Trestman on board as offensive coordinator and now they are going even deeper. They have requested permission to speak with Falcons Oline coach, Mike Tice and the Falcons have denied their request, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

The interest in Tice would likely be as an offensive line coach and perhaps also assistant head coach, just as he was in Jacksonville with Del Rio from 2006-09. Tice would take the position previously held by Tony Sparano.

Tice was hired by the Falcons at the beginning of last season as their offensive line coach and is still under contract, even with the firing of Mike Smith and much of the Falcons' staff. League rules state teams can deny interviews with anyone they like unless that interview is for a head coaching position. Even though adding Assistant Head Coach would be a promotion for Tice.

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